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[02/22/08 - 06:30 PM]
Development Update: Week of February 18-22
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC) |
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LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:
Looking to keep track of all the various projects in development? Click here to visit our signature "Devwatch" section. There visitors can view our listings by network, genre, studio and even development stage (ordered to pilot, cast-contingent, script, etc.). It's updated every day!
12 MILES OF BAD ROAD (HBO) - A decision is reportedly forthcoming on the fate of the freshman series, an hourlong comedy about a Dallas real estate agent (Lily Tomlin) and her family. Six of the 10 episodes ordered were completed before the strike and the HBO brass is mulling whether to complete production on the remaining installments. Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and Harry Thomason are behind the project, which also stars Mary Kay Place and Gary Cole.
BOSTON LEGAL (ABC) - ION Media Networks's purchase of the show's off-network run on Tuesday (read the story) is reportedly valued between $175,000 to $200,000 per episode. Said pact with Twentieth Television, which kicks off in September, covers all episodes filmed to date with a ceiling of 106 hours. The deal isn't exclusive as Twentieth also hopes to sell an additional weekday window to a cable network. ION however can opt to match any potential bidder's offer in order to keep exclusivity. Twentieth previously cleared a weekend run of the series on local stations covering 50% of the country.
ELEVENTH HOUR (CBS) - British actor Rufus Sewell ("John Adams") is set to topline the CBS pilot, about a special science adviser to the government who, with his feisty female bodyguard in tow, saves people from the worst abuses of science. Sewell will play said adviser, Jacob Hood, a role originated by Patrick Stewart in the U.K. version. Jerry Bruckheimer Television, Granada International Media and Warner Bros. Television are all behind the hour, which Danny Cannon is directing from a script by Mick Davis. The pair then will executive produce alongside Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and Robert Green.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (NBC) - NBC and Universal Media Studios are reportedly in talks with several other networks to carve out an additional broadcast window for a potential third season of the drama. The CW, DirecTV, E!, G4 and TNT were among the networks mentioned by the trade publications this week. A deal however may prove to be a challenge as "some people familiar with the talks have complained that Peacock's asking price for [the show] is too high." Nevertheless, all of the parties involved have declined to comment on the negotiations.
IN THE LOOP WITH IVILLAGE (Syndication) - The syndicated talk show, which airs on the 10 NBC owned-and-operated stations, will cease production at the end of next month. The news had been widely expected following the clearance of Warner Bros.' upcoming offering "The Bonnie Hunt Show" on said stations this fall. It's unclear what will fill the hour until then.
LAS VEGAS (NBC) - TV Guide's Michael Ausiello has reported NBC won't renew the series for a sixth season. "Vegas" wrapped its fifth season this past Friday to the tune of 7.98 million viewers (including a 2.3 adults 18-49 rating), bringing its season average down to 8.29 million viewers. Last season, in which the series aired in the earlier 9:00/8:00c hour, "Vegas" averaged 8.96 million viewers and a 2.8 rating among adults 18-49. NBC however won't confirm said cancellation as the fate of all its returning series won't be decided until April, when its new fall schedule is announced.
LAW & ORDER (NBC) - After months of speculation, Jesse L. Martin will exit his nine-year role of Ed Green on the series after this season. It's understood he'll film at least one more episode to explain his character's departure after which a new partner will be brought in for Jeremy Sisto's Cyrus Lupo. Already on the top of the list - Anthony Anderson ("K-Ville"), whom sources suggest is close to signing a 13-episode commitment with the option for more.
LIBERTYVILLE/RITA ROCKS (Lifetime, New!) - Lifetime is set to team with Media Rights Capital to develop a new multi-camera comedy for the network. The deal calls for MRC to film two pilots for the channel - "Libertyville," about a divorced mother fearful of dating whose life is complicated by her lazy 22-year-old daughter and cantankerous father who live with her; and "Rita Rocks," about an overworked wife and mother in the middle of a full-blown identity crisis who starts a garage band with her postwoman and neighbor. Lifetime may then pass on both projects with the caveat being if they do so, two more pilots will be filmed, one of which ultimately must be given a series commitment. The resulting series will be co-owned by Lifetime and MRC with an eye towards an accelerated production schedule to syndicate it as quickly as possible. As for the projects themselves, Christine Ebersole will topline "Libertyville," which comes from creator Tom Saunders and fellow executive producer Caryn Mandabach. Said title comes from the name of Saunders's hometown in Ohio. The project was previously set up at Lionsgate Television but didn't move past the script stage. Stan Zimmerman and Jim Berg then are behind "Rita." Both projects are expected to film next month with Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel ("Reba") consulting and MRC's Keith Samples executive producing.
MOONLIGHT (CBS) - Showrunner/executive producer Chip Johannessen has exited the series, which was recently asked to produce four more episodes for the spring. Executive producer Joel Silver and the writing team will collectively shepherd the remaining installments as a new showrunner won't be named until when/if the show is renewed for a second season. No reason was given for Johannessen's departure. The writer/producer joined the series earlier this season to take over for original showrunner David Greenwalt.
ROOMMATES (A.K.A. ROOMIES) (ABC Family) - Dorian Brown ("Psych") has been tapped for the female lead on the upcoming multi-camera series. The show, about pals who move in together post-college, had been contingent on finding said lead following the departure of Megan Stevenson. She joins the previously cast Tyler Francavilla, Tommy Dewey, Tamera Mowry and David Weidoff. Kieron Quirke and Robin French are behind the half-hour, which is also executive produced by Michael Hanel and Mindy Schultheis of Acme Productions.
SPLITSVILLE/UNTITLED TOM FORMAN PROJECT (CBS, New!) - The Eye has added two more pilots to its reality roster - "Splitsville," a game show for divorcing couples who battle it out for their belongings in a series of competitive challenges; and an untitled effort featuring a team of law enforcement officials helping people who have been victims of a crime. Actor/producer Jamie Kennedy and Magic Molehill Productions's Jay Bienstock and Jeffrey Kramer are behind the former while "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" creator Tom Forman is behind the later. The pair join the previously greenlighted trio of "Secret Talents of the Stars," "Game Show in My Head" and "America's Top Dog" read the story).
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
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[07/28/14 - 02:27 PM]
HGTV to Begin Production on "Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip" Featuring Derek Hough and Mark Ballas
Instead of dancing a perfect paso doble, champion dancers Derek Hough and Mark Ballas will be kicking up dust on their latest project - a home renovation series on HGTV.
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[07/28/14 - 02:05 PM]
ESPN's Multiplatform Coverage of Little League Baseball and Softball Divisional Championships Begins July 30
The championship games will lead into ESPN's multiplatform coverage of the Little League World Series presented by Kellogg's Frosted Flakes from Williamsport, Pa, beginning Thursday, August 14.
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[07/28/14 - 01:33 PM]
"Criminal Minds" and "Extant" to Swap Time Periods Starting This Wednesday, July 30
"Criminal Minds" will return to its regular 9:00/8:00c slot followed by new drama "Extant" at 10:00/9:00c.
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[07/28/14 - 01:08 PM]
Don't Miss the Season Two Premiere of "#RichKids of Beverly Hills" on Sunday, August 3 at 10PM ET/PT Only on E!
Plus: don't miss an all-new episode of the hit series "Botched" airing Sunday, August 10 at its new time of 10:30/9:30c.
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[07/28/14 - 01:06 PM]
NBC Sports Group's 5 Match Soccer Slate This Week Kicks Off with Manchester United v. FC Internazionale Tomorrow at 7 PM ET on NBCSN
NBC Sports Group's lead Premier League play-by-play announcer Arlo White will be on site to call both matches.
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[07/28/14 - 12:20 PM]
Video: "Atlanta Exes" + Super Trailer + Monday, August 18th on VH1
Watch a sneak preview of the new series, featuring the once significant others of an elite list of A-list men, which has no shortage of fabulousness, ambition, love, and drama.
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[07/28/14 - 11:46 AM]
Comedy Central(R) Announces Digital Content Partnership with Redd's Apple Ale for the Launch of the Original Weekly Improv Series "CC: Social Scene"
Socially inspired by Comedy Central's CC:Studios, the six-episode improv series is hosted by comedian Paul Scheer and directed by Rich Talarico.
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[07/28/14 - 11:39 AM]
Investigation Discovery's Got Talent! August Slate Sizzles with the Return of ID's Most Beloved Stars: Paula Zahn, Susan Lucci, Joe Kenda, And Candice DeLong
First, tour the mind of infamous accused-ax-murderer Lizzie Borden in the season premiere of "Deadly Women" with Candice DeLong on Friday, August 1 at 9:00/8:00c, followed by the landmark 100th episode at 10:00/9:00c.
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[07/28/14 - 11:39 AM]
CBS Summer Dramas Score Big Live+7-Day Playback Lift for the Week of July 7
CBS further spins the numbers for the week of July 7-13.
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[07/28/14 - 11:27 AM]
Michelle Beisner Joins ESPN as NFL Features Reporter
Since 2006, Beisner has worked as a studio host and field reporter for NFL Network.
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[07/28/14 - 11:15 AM]
Special Guest Jay Leno Mentors the Comics as the Final Five Move One Step Closer to Being the "Last Comic Standing" on Tues, July 31 (10-11 P.M. ET)
Only five comics remain in the competition, and the stakes have never been higher as they move one step closer to winning the coveted title of "Last Comic Standing."
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[07/28/14 - 09:51 AM]
Showtime(R) Presents "David Bowie: Five Years" - Documentary Special Premieres Friday, August 1st at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT)
The film is the definitive portrait of one of rock's most influential stars.
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[07/28/14 - 09:34 AM]
"Gypsy Sisters" Focus on Family in New Season on TLC
The series returns with a special two-hour season premiere on Thursday, August 21 at 9:00/8:00c.
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[07/28/14 - 09:34 AM]
El Rey Network And Celestial Pictures Boost Multi-Year Partnership To Bring Viewers The Best In Classic Martial Arts
The new deal will provide the network with access to 255 iconic martial arts titles from the Shaw Brothers vault - the world's leading martial arts collection, many on an exclusive basis.
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[07/28/14 - 08:57 AM]
Season Two of "Shark Hunters" Premieres Wednesday, July 30, at 9 P.M. ET on NBCSN
The 60-minute outdoor fishing show features three long-standing East Coast shark tournaments and five captains pitted against each other to catch the heaviest shark.
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